The Independence Of The Seas

Launched in 2008, the Independence is an enormous ship, with fifteen decks that can house 3,634 passengers and 1,360 crew members. Packed within these decks are amenities and activities to appeal to a wide range of cruisers. The centre of the ship is the “Grand Promenade,” a simulated high street with shops, restaurants, a wine […]

Launched in 2008, the Independence is an enormous ship, with fifteen decks that can house 3,634 passengers and 1,360 crew members. Packed within these decks are amenities and activities to appeal to a wide range of cruisers.

The centre of the ship is the "Grand Promenade," a simulated high street with shops, restaurants, a wine bar, and even a men's barber. The ship also includes a fantastic kids programme, high quality entertainment, multiple pools, a casino, several bars and lounges, and even a chapel at sea on the highest deck. With so much to do on board, it almost does not matter where the Independence of the Sea makes port, but with itineraries in the British Isles, Western Europe, the Canary Isles, the Mediterranean, and even the Caribbean, there is sure to be an itinerary that will appeal to any would be cruiser. Here are some highlights of the ship:

The Independence of the Seas has many different types of public spaces on board. For the athletic and adventurous, there is an entire sports deck including a rock climbing wall, ping pong tables, miniature golf, and the "FloRider;" a surfing simulator. There is a large pool deck with three pools: the main pool, the adult-only solarium pool, and a large childrens pool. The ship includes a theatre, boxing ring, ice skating rink, elegant showroom, and a well-appointed casino. A guest could spend an entire week aboard and never see all of what this ship has to offer.

Royal Caribbean has given the Disney Cruise line stiff competition in attracting families with children. The biggest reason this is Royal Caribbean's highly regarded children's programme, Adventure Ocean. Taking up much of a deck, the facility is designed children of all ages, with themed rooms for smaller children, and a lounge and nightclub for teens. Adventure Ocean is open all day at no additional charge to guests. Children's activities include group dinners at Johnny Rockets, crafts, and even a ship-wide pirate parade.

Guests will never go hungry on a cruise, and the Independence of the Seas is no exception. The Windjammer Buffet on the pool deck is a casual buffet-style eatery that does not require formal attire at any time. The main dining room offers a scheduled nightly dining time, or the opportunity to participate in "my time" dining at a guest's choice. In addition to these eateries, the Independence of the Seas offers minimal charge dining at Chops Steakhouse, Portofino Italian, Jade, and Johnny Rocket's American-style diner. In addition light meals can be found in the cafe and pizza restaurant along the Grand Promenade.